Mbappé and France wait on tornado alarm ahead of Iraq match

France face Iraq with tornado warning hanging over the match

France play Iraq tonight in their second Group I match, and the weather is the story before a ball is kicked. A tornado alarm has been issued for the area, and n-tv reports the match could face delays or even cancellation (2). Kickoff is scheduled for 22:00 UK time. For now, the game is on.

Mbappé leads the XI again

Kylian Mbappé starts as captain, with Deschamps keeping faith in the same shape that beat Senegal in the opener (1). Théo Hernández and Jules Koundé retain their full-back spots. Up front, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise are in the lineup alongside Désiré Doué, with Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni in midfield. Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba pair at centre-back, with Mike Maignan in goal (1).

Senegal vs Norway on Monday night

The other Group I match follows right after France–Iraq. Norway face Senegal at 01:00 UK time, with Senegal under real pressure after their opening loss to France (3). Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard are expected to start for Norway, while Senegal will lean on Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Nicolas Jackson (3). The result matters for France, a Senegal loss or draw could give Deschamps' side control of the group before the final matchday.

Fan reactions

France supporters on Reddit are restless before kickoff, the tornado threat has turned the buildup into a waiting game. The match thread pinned to an MCFC subreddit lists Rayan Cherki as a City player to watch, which has Arsenal and Chelsea fans chiming in with transfer-window jabs. Most are just hoping the game goes ahead. Join the discussion